• Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Book Extras
  • Blog
  • Editing
  • Shop
  • Contact D’Ann
  • search
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

D'Ann Mateer

Author, Editor, Reader

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Book Extras
  • Blog
  • Editing
  • Shop
  • Contact D’Ann
  • search

April reads

Home » Reading » April reads

In: Reading on: April 26, 2024

I know this is a few days early, but I’m just at the beginning of three different books right now, so I’m guessing I won’t get any of them finished before the end of the month! There are a bunch of lighter reads this month, mostly because when I’m traveling it’s hard to sustain anything heavy. I’m so glad there are so many flat out fun stories out there! 

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

Honestly, I keep thinking her stories can’t keep getting better, but they always do! I loved this Cinderella remix. A great romance—and a mystery too! Looking forward to the third Texas Ever After book!

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

Wow. So much history that happened in my lifetime but I knew so little about! This was a fascinating look at the history of the Berlin Wall from its construction to its demise. I got to hear Katherine speak about the book here in Dallas. It was like sitting in a great history class. In fact, this is the book I’ll pick for our neighborhood book club’s June read! Loved it so much!

I’m Not Charlotte Lucas by Kasey Stockton

What a fun contemporary romance with a Pride & Prejudice connection. Those of you who are P&P fans will know that Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth Bennett’s best friend who marries the heir to the Bennett’s estate—the ridiculous Mr. Collins. She chooses security over love. The Charolotte Lucas in this book is well aware of her namesake’s history, and she doesn’t want to repeat it. A lovely and satisfying romance. 

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna White

This is the first book of the Imposters series—and it was a doozy! When I haven’t read one of Roseanna’s books in awhile, I forget what a great storyteller she is. Set in early 1900s England we find a quirky crew of invesigators to the wealthy and powerful. And let me tell you, these characters are fabulous. The second book releases soon and it’s high on my list to get! 

The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

My daughter, husband, sister, and brother-in-law all told me to read this book, so when it when on sale on Audible, I picked it up and listened. It was cute. Kind of a Forest Gumpish story. I’m not sure I like it as much as they did but it is a humorous raed. 

A Prayer Journeal by Flannery O’Connor

I picked up this book at the Flannery O’Connor childhood home in Savannah. It’s a short book. The first half is the transcription of Flannery O’Connor’s prayer journal through a year or so of her time in college in Iowa. The second half is the actual diary pages photographed. I was interested in the book both as a writer and a Christian. It was fascinating to see her wrestle with her faith on the page in ways I could relate to. And the way she expresses her thoughts is amazing writing, even in its unediting form. I will go back through this one again slowly at some point. Some great ideas to ponder. 

The Moral Premise by Stanley Williams

The is a book applicable to storytelling in its various forms. I’ve read this book a couple of times before, but I feel the desire to go back through some of my writing books as a refresher course. The interesting thing about this time through this particular book is that I felt like I understood both the ideas and the processes better. 

Not a bad list for a busy month. I’m already in at least three new books right now, all of which I am enthralled with. Of course the question always is: will I still be enthralled by the end? We’ll see! 

Happy reading! 

Tagged: Flannery O'Connor, Jonas Jonasson, Karen Witemeyer, Kasey Stockton, katherine reay, Roseanna White, Stanley Williams

« Previous
Next »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy

    April 28, 2024 at 5:14 am

    I absolutely loved The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley when I read it last Oct (https://ofbooksandboys.blogspot.com/2023/10/book-review-happy-life-of-isodara.html), so much so that I recommended it to a new book club I’ve joined. Last year, I felt convicted that I was insulating myself too much among others who shared my Christian perspectives and worldview and wasn’t finding opportunities to witness to the lost. I joined a FB group (Women Forming Friendships in West Indy) and their book club. After I convinced them to read HLIB for today’s April meeting, I realized it is Christian fiction (my favorite kind, where the message is subtle and story is strong). I’m praying I will have some small chance to witness today through our interaction with this book. So fun to see you are reading it now, as well.

    Reply
    • D'Ann Mateer

      April 29, 2024 at 9:01 am

      I love that you’ve joined a book club and chosen that book! I joined a neighborhood book club for that same reason as well as to meet my neighbors. I’ve also chosen Christian fiction for them to read! I’m thoroughly enjoying Isadora Bentley! I’m almost halfway!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Want a Free Story?

"The Work of His Hands: a novelette”

Bea wants nothing more than to go to college and learn more about the world God created. Her mother even left money in trust for her to do so. She only wishes her father supported her dream. But when Papa gets into financial trouble in the young town of Fort Worth, Texas, Bea must decide what is more important—her education or her father's well-being. Can she trust the God of creation to make something beautiful of her life?”

Along with the story you’ll receive my newsletter updates as well.

Blog Categories

  • Book Extras
  • Editing
  • Faith
  • Family
  • History
  • Life
  • Reading
  • Uncategorized
  • Writing

Recent Posts

  • Three reasons to re-read June 11, 2025
  • Literary Mugs June 5, 2025
  • May Reads May 30, 2025
  • Graduation Throwback May 22, 2025
  • A Peek at the Process May 14, 2025

Some blog posts and pages contain affiliate links. This means when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to this site. Affiliate programs include, but are not limited to, Amazon.com. This disclosure complies with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Site Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Editing
  • About
  • Books
  • Contact D’Ann
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Sign up for my Newsletter

Copyright © 2025 · D'Ann Mateer. All Rights Reserved.
Website by Stormhill Media
Log in